Neighbourhood ties

Apropos, ‘It’s time to step up India, Bangladesh ties’, (March 6). The political transition in Bangladesh presents a critical opportunity for recalibrating strained economic relations with India.

The Tarique Rahman-led government must pragmatically address the economic turbulence caused by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Trade disruptions, policy uncertainties, and diplomatic frictions weakened a partnership that had long served as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s regional economic engagement.

Restoring confidence through institutional dialogue, trade facilitation, and renewed connectivity initiatives will be essential.

A strategic reset in economic diplomacy can stabilise bilateral cooperation, reinforce investor confidence, and ultimately advance Bangladesh’s long-term development and regional economic integration.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

War comes near

The reported sinking of an Iranian warship by a US submarine off the Sri Lankan coast marks a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict in West Asia and a worrying expansion of the theatre of war.

Although legal restrictions governing warfare in the maritime domain remain contested, several aspects of the incident are disquieting. The strike reportedly took place thousands of kilometres from the principal zone of conflict. While the Iranian vessel was a warship, it was said to be on a peaceful passage and hardly an immediate threat.

Weakening Iran’s naval capabilities among US’ strategic objectives. However, conducting such an operation in India’s broader maritime neighbourhood raises concerns, given the close maritime cooperation between New Delhi and Washington to ensure a secure Indo-Pacific. As tensions widen, India must remain vigilant to emerging regional risks.

M Jeyaram

Sholavandan (TN)

Nitish moves to Delhi

With reference to the news report, ‘Nitish Kumar files nomination for RS, signals end of long stint as Bihar CM’. After a long stint in Bihar politics, Bihar’s tallest political leader Nitish Kumar moves to Parliament.

For the BJP this is a golden opportunity to head the government and have the first BJP CM of Bihar.

Given Nitish Kumar’s towering stature in Bihar politics, his son Nishant Kumar will take some time to get a grip of the party.

Nitish Kumar’s governance model emphasised administrative stability, welfare schemes and development. His policies like liquor prohibition was much loved by his women voters despite the criticism of revenue loss.

Bal Govind

Published on March 6, 2026